Valve assembly for high-pressure fluid reservoir

ABSTRACT

A valve assembly is disclosed for controlling fluid flow between two reservoirs. The valve assembly includes a relief valve arranged inside the housing and configured to open a first fluid flow path when the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/171,548 filed Apr. 22, 2009, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow to and from a high-pressure reservoir.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Valves are employed in a multitude of industries to control flow of liquids and/or gases. One application for such control valves appears in vehicles with stored fuel to control a vehicle's evaporative emissions resulting from gasoline vapors escaping from the vehicle's fuel system. Evaporative emissions of modern vehicles are strictly regulated in many countries. To prevent fuel vapors from venting directly to the atmosphere, a majority of vehicles manufactured since the 1970's include specifically designed evaporative emissions systems. Additionally, in recent years vehicle manufacturers began developing fully sealed fuel delivery to their engines.

In a typical evaporative emissions system, vented vapors from the fuel system are sent to a purge canister containing activated charcoal. The activated charcoal used in such canisters is a form of carbon that has been processed to make it extremely porous, creating a very large surface area available for adsorption of fuel vapors and/or chemical reactions. During certain engine operational modes, with the help of specifically designed control valves, the fuel vapors are adsorbed within the canister. Subsequently, during other engine operational modes, and with the help of additional control valves, fresh air is drawn through the canister, pulling the fuel vapor into the engine where it is burned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow between a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The valve assembly includes a relief valve arranged inside the housing and configured to open the first fluid flow path when a pressure inside the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly configured for controlling fuel vapor flow between a fuel tank and a purge canister, with the valve shown in a closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1, with a first flow path between the fuel tank and the purge canister shown in an open state;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1, with a second flow path between the fuel tank and the purge canister shown in an open state;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1, with a third flow path between the fuel tank and the purge canister shown in an open state when the fuel tank is under pressure; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1, with a third flow path between the fuel tank and the purge canister shown in an open state when the fuel tank is under vacuum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle, schematically represented by numeral 10. Vehicle 10 includes a fuel tank 12 configured as a reservoir for holding fuel to be supplied to an internal combustion engine 13 via a fuel delivery system which typically includes a fuel pump (not shown), as understood by those skilled in the art. Vehicle 10 also includes a controller 14 that is configured to regulate the operation of engine 13 and its fuel delivery system. Fuel tank 12 is operatively connected to an evaporative emissions control system 16 that includes a purge canister 18 adapted to collect fuel vapor emitted by the fuel tank 12 and to subsequently release the fuel vapor to engine 13. Controller 14 is also configured to regulate the operation of evaporative emissions control system 16 in order to recapture and recycle the emitted fuel vapor. In addition, controller 14 is adapted to regulate the operation of valve assembly 20, i.e., to selectively open and close the valve, in order to provide over-pressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank 12

Evaporative emissions control system 16 includes a valve assembly 20. Valve assembly 20 is configured to control a flow of fuel vapor between the fuel tank 12 and the purge canister 18. Although valve assembly 20 as shown is located between fuel tank 12 and purge canister 18, nothing precludes locating the valve assembly in a different position, such as between the purge canister 18 and the engine 13. Valve assembly 20 includes a housing 22, which retains all internal components of the valve assembly in a compact manner. Housing 22 connects to fuel tank 12 via a connector 24, and to the purge canister via a connector 26. Housing 22 accommodates a relief valve 28. Relief valve 28 includes a piston 30, which may be formed from a suitable chemically-resistant material such as an appropriate plastic or aluminum. Relief valve 28 may also include a compliant seal 32, which may be formed from a suitable chemically-resistant elastomeric material. Seal 32 may be an inward-sloped dynamic pressure seal, i.e., such that the seal's outer edge or lip is angled toward a central axis Y1. In operation, seal 32 makes initial contact with the housing 22 along the seal's angled outer edge. After the initial contact with housing 22, the outer edge of seal 32 deflects to conform to the housing and hermetically closes a passage 34. The inward slope of the seal's outer edge provides enhanced control of fuel vapor flow at small openings between seal 32 and housing 22.

Piston 30 and seal 32 may be combined into a unitary piston assembly via an appropriate manufacturing process such as overmolding, as understood by those skilled in the art. Piston 30 and seal 32 are urged to close passage 34 by a spring 36. As shown in FIG. 2, relief valve 28 is configured to facilitate opening a first fuel vapor flow path being traversed by the fuel vapor flowing in a direction from the fuel tank 12 toward the purge canister 18, represented by an arrow 38, when the fuel tank 12 is above a first predetermined pressure value. The first predetermined pressure value is preferably a positive number, representing an extreme or over-pressure condition of fuel tank 12.

The over-pressure condition of fuel tank 12 may depend on design parameters typically specified according to appropriate engineering standards and commonly includes a factor of safety to preclude operational failure of the fuel tank. Pressure in the fuel tank 12 may vary in response to a number of factors, such as the amount and temperature of the fuel contained therein. The first predetermined pressure value may be established based on the design parameters of the fuel tank 12 and of the engine's fuel delivery system, as well as based on empirical data acquired during testing and development.

Valve assembly 20 also includes a solenoid assembly 40 arranged inside housing 22, and adapted to receive electrical power from a vehicle alternator or from an energy-storage device (not shown), and be triggered or energized by a control signal from controller 14. Solenoid assembly 40 includes an armature 42, a solenoid spring 44, and a coil 46, as understood by those skilled in the art. Solenoid spring 44 is configured to generate a force sufficient to urge armature 42 out of the solenoid assembly 40, when the solenoid assembly is not energized. Coil 46 is configured to energize solenoid assembly 40, and to withdraw armature 42 into the solenoid assembly by overcoming the biasing force of spring 44.

Valve assembly 20 additionally may include a flow restrictor 50. Flow restrictor 50 is arranged inside the housing 22, and includes a piston 52 which may be formed from a suitable chemically-resistant material such as an appropriate plastic or aluminum. Flow restrictor 50 also includes a compliant seal 54, which may be formed from a suitable chemically-resistant rubber. Seal 54 is an inward-sloped dynamic pressure seal, i.e., such that the seal's outer edge or lip is angled toward a central axis Y2. In operation, seal 54 makes initial contact with the housing 22 along the seal's angled outer edge. After the initial contact with housing 22, the outer edge of seal 54 deflects to conform to the housing and to hermetically close a passage 56. The inward slope of the seal's outer edge provides enhanced control of fuel vapor flow at small openings between seal 54 and housing 22.

Similar to the piston 30 and seal 32 above, piston 52 and seal 54 may be combined into a unitary piston assembly via an appropriate manufacturing process such as overmolding. Piston 52 and seal 54 are urged to close passage 56 by the action of a spring 58. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, flow restrictor 50 is configured to be normally closed via the extension of armature 42 under the urging of solenoid spring 44 in the absence of the control signal from controller 14. Referring back to FIG. 2, the normally closed position of the flow restrictor, combined with the opening of relief valve 28 (as described above), also facilitates the opening of the first flow fuel vapor flow path represented by arrow 38.

As shown in FIG. 3, passage 56 is exposed when armature 42 is withdrawn into solenoid assembly 40 in response to the solenoid assembly being energized by the control signal from controller 14. Spring 58 is compressed by the force of the flow of fuel vapor, and the flow restrictor 50 is pushed out of the way by the vapor flow to thereby facilitate the opening of passage 56. Exposing passage 56 opens a second fuel vapor flow path to be traversed by the fuel vapor flowing in the direction from the fuel tank 12 toward the purge canister 18, represented by arrow 60. Fuel vapor flows in the direction represented by arrow 60 when a rate of fluid flow from fuel tank 12 to purge canister 18 is greater than a predetermined reference value in order to open passage 56.

The rate of fluid flow from fuel tank 12 may vary in response to a number of factors, such as the amount, temperature and pressure of the fuel contained therein. The predetermined reference value of the rate of fluid flow may be set at, for example, approximately 260 liters per minute (LPM), but may also be established in relation to a higher or a lower predetermined reference value. The reference value is typically predetermined or established in accordance with operating parameters of a particular engine's fuel delivery system, as understood by those skilled in the art. The predetermined rate of fluid flow, however, must be sufficiently high to compress spring 58 and thereby expose passage 56, and the rate of spring 58 should therefore be selected accordingly.

Piston 52 and seal 54 are urged to close passage 56 by a spring 58. Relief valve 28 is configured to open a third fuel vapor flow path represented by arrow 62A, as shown in FIG. 4, and arrow 62B, as shown in FIG. 5. Arrow 62A represents the third fuel vapor flow path being traversed by the fuel vapor flowing in the direction from the fuel tank 12 toward the purge canister 18, and arrow 62B represents the third fuel vapor flow path being traversed by the fuel vapor flowing in a direction from the purge canister 18 toward the fuel tank 12. Fuel vapor flows in the direction represented by arrow 62B when the rate of the fluid flow from fuel tank 12 to purge canister 18 is below the first predetermined reference value.

As shown in FIG. 4, passage 64 is exposed when armature 42 is withdrawn into solenoid assembly 40 in response to the solenoid assembly being energized by the control signal from controller 14. The force of the flow of fuel vapor in the third fuel vapor flow path 62A is insufficient to compress spring 58. Spring 58 is thus permitted to extend and urge the flow restrictor 50 to close passage 56 while at the same time exposing passage 64. In this example, the third fuel vapor flow path represented by arrow 62A is opened when the rate of fluid flow is lower than the predetermined reference value of approximately 260 LPM, but may also be established in relation to a higher or a lower reference value. However, to expose passage 64, the rate of fluid flow in the third fuel vapor flow path should be incapable of compressing spring 58; therefore, the rate of spring 58 should be selected accordingly.

As noted above, relief valve 28 is additionally configured to open the third fuel vapor flow path being traversed by the fuel vapor flowing in the direction represented by arrow 62B when the fuel tank 12 is below a second predetermined pressure value (shown in FIG. 5). The first predetermined pressure value is greater than the second predetermined pressure value. While the first predetermined pressure value is preferably a positive number, representing an extreme or over-pressure condition of fuel tank 12, the second predetermined pressure value is preferably a negative number i.e., signifying that the fuel tank 12 is under a vacuum. This vacuum in the fuel tank 12 is sufficient to overcome the force of spring 44, and thereby expose passage 64 to open the third fuel vapor flow path. Spring 44 is specifically designed to permit opening of the third fuel vapor flow path at a specific vacuum set point of the fuel tank 12. As such, the rate of solenoid spring 44 generates a force that is sufficient to close passage 64 when the fuel tank 12 is at positive pressure, but is insufficient to close the same passage when the fuel tank is under vacuum.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, valve assembly 20 also includes a cover 66, which in this example is configured as a single-piece component. Cover 66 locates relative to the housing 22 with the aid of a flange 22A nesting inside a channel 66A. Cover 66 engages and interconnects with housing 22 via tabbed extensions 68 that are configured to provide a snap-fit against the housing. Valve assembly 20 additionally includes a static seal 70 adapted to hermetically seal cover 66 against housing 22. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, and as understood by those skilled in the art, seal 70 is of an O-ring type.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A valve assembly configured for controlling fluid flow between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the valve assembly comprising: a relief valve configured to open a first fluid flow path when a pressure inside the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value; a solenoid assembly configured to open a second fluid flow path when a rate of the fluid flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is above a predetermined reference value; a housing defining the first and second fluid flow paths; and a flow restrictor configured to open a third fluid flow path when the rate of the fluid flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is below the predetermined reference value, and also when the pressure inside the first reservoir is below a second predetermined pressure value; wherein: the relief valve and the solenoid assembly are arranged inside the housing; the solenoid assembly includes an armature configured to selectively open and close the flow restrictor, a solenoid spring configured to generate a force sufficient to close the restrictor by displacing the armature, and a coil configured to energize the armature, overcome the solenoid spring, and thereby open the restrictor; and the solenoid spring is configured to generate a force sufficient to close the third fluid flow path when the pressure inside the first reservoir is a positive value, but insufficient to close the third fluid flow path when the pressure inside the first reservoir is a negative value.
 2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined pressure value is greater than the second predetermined pressure value.
 3. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coil is configured to overcome the solenoid spring when the rate of the fluid flow is below the predetermined reference value.
 4. The valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a spring configured to urge the flow restrictor to open, wherein the flow restrictor is configured to be normally closed.
 5. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing additionally includes the third fluid flow paths, and wherein the flow restrictor is arranged inside the housing.
 6. The valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the relief valve and the flow restrictor includes an inward-sloped pressure seal configured to seal the corresponding relief valve and the flow restrictor against the housing.
 7. The valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the relief valve and the flow restrictor includes a piston, and wherein the piston and the corresponding pressure seal are combined into a unitary piston assembly.
 8. The valve assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a cover configured to retain the relief valve, the flow restrictor, and the solenoid assembly inside the housing.
 9. The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein the cover engages and interconnects with the housing via a snap-fit.
 10. The valve assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a static seal configured to seal the cover against the housing.
 11. The valve assembly according to claim 10, wherein the static seal is an O-ring type seal.
 12. A valve assembly configured for controlling fluid flow between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the valve assembly comprising: a relief valve configured to open a first fluid flow path when the pressure inside the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value; a solenoid assembly configured to open a second fluid flow path when a rate of the fluid flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is above a predetermined reference value; a flow restrictor configured to open a third fluid flow path when the rate of the fluid flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is below the predetermined reference value, and when the pressure inside the first reservoir is below a second predetermined pressure value, wherein the first predetermined pressure value is greater than the second predetermined pressure value; and a housing defining the first, second, and third fluid flow paths, wherein the relief valve, the solenoid assembly, and the flow restrictor are arranged inside the housing; wherein: the solenoid assembly includes an armature configured to selectively open and close the flow restrictor, a solenoid spring configured to generate a force sufficient to close the restrictor by displacing the armature, and a coil configured to energize the armature, overcome the solenoid spring, and thereby open the restrictor; and the coil is configured to overcome the solenoid spring when the rate of the fluid flow is below the predetermined reference value, and the solenoid spring is configured to generate a force sufficient to close the third fluid flow path when the first reservoir is at positive pressure, but insufficient to close the third fluid flow path when the first reservoir is at negative pressure.
 13. The valve assembly according to claim 12, further comprising a spring configured to urge the flow restrictor to open, wherein the flow restrictor is configured to be normally closed.
 14. The valve assembly according to claim 12, further comprising a cover configured to retain the relief valve, the flow restrictor, and the solenoid assembly inside the housing.
 15. The valve assembly according to claim 14, wherein the cover engages and interconnects with the housing via a snap-fit.
 16. The valve assembly according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the relief valve and the flow restrictor includes an inward-sloped pressure seal configured to seal the corresponding relief valve and the flow restrictor against the housing.
 17. The valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the relief valve and the flow restrictor includes a piston, and wherein the piston and the corresponding pressure seal are combined into a unitary piston assembly.
 18. The valve assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a static seal configured to seal the cover against the housing.
 19. The valve assembly according to claim 18, wherein the static seal is an O-ring type seal. 